Antibacterial activity of paroxetine against and possible mechanisms of action.

To evaluate the antibacterial activity of paroxetine alone and associated with oxacillin against isolates of methicillin-sensitive and -resistant . The broth microdilution and checkerboard techniques were used, with investigation of possible mechanisms of action through flow cytometry, fluorescence microscopy and molecular docking, in addition to scanning electron microscopy for morphological analysis. Paroxetine showed a MIC of 64 μg/ml and bactericidal activity, mostly additive interactions in combination with oxacillin, evidence of action on genetic material and membrane, morphological changes in microbial cells and influence on virulence factors. Paroxetine has antibacterial potential from the perspective of drug repositioning.